From Eric, now living as Elize's perspective

"Please make it into cute braids," I requested the hairstylist.

"Wow, Elize asking for something like that? That's unexpected," the stylist replied with a warm smile.

I was on my way back to Elize's family home, using the long weekend. I found a beauty salon card in Elize's wallet and, unfamiliar with how things work in beauty salons, decided to give it a try.

Makeup is banned at the magic school, but the rules are different on holidays.

Being somewhat disliked and often ignored by my female dorm mates, the scandal hadn’t reached the seniors who kindly taught me how to apply makeup.

Having transformed into a girl, it wasn't bad to accumulate experiences unique to girls while I could.

I didn't have money to buy cosmetics.

I learned to use foundation magic, lip magic, and mascara magic. I even took off my round glasses completely and used a spell for temporary vision correction.

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The scales of makeup magic are traditionally passed down orally among women, not taught in schools or found in sheet music at bookstores.

"Elize, as a child, you were tomboyish and insisted on a short haircut. I never thought you’d grow your hair out. You’re finally embracing being a girl," the beautician chatted.

From her tone, it seemed she had watched Elize grow up from childhood.

Having my life taken by her, and in return, taking hers, I contemplated the gravity of our situation.

"Oh, right. I'll teach you the curl magic so you can do braids yourself," she began casting a spell, and my hair, now shoulder-length, curled and tied itself with an elastic.

"Wow!"

I admired myself. Elize really had the potential to be a beautiful girl.

I quickly took notes as the lady taught me the musical scales of the spell.

Would I enjoy seeing myself in braids every morning?

It felt like I had added a little excitement to my life.

"Come visit again," I left the beauty salon.

I felt a sense of danger behind me.

I turned around, but no one was there.

Right, this is near Elize's family home.

It wouldn't be surprising if a politician's associate was after my life.

Was stepping into this danger zone the right move?

Should I have stayed away from her family home?

It would be quicker to head to her house than back to the station now.

In this residential area, devoid of buildings like police stations, I wished for a male magic user like Akira by my side.

Should I go back, or should I keep going? I was torn.